Trash dashed in County bash

Neighbours Richard and Carol Dale and Paul and Mary Ann Richter joined hundreds of County residents to participate in the Quinte Trash Bash event on Saturday.

More than 300 people pitched in to beautify the County of Prince Edward during the annual Quinte Trash Bash event Saturday, April 21.

“It’s unfortunate that this problem persists across the Quinte region, but I am heartened that so many County residents are willing to do something about it,” said Mayor Robert Quaiff. “I am incredibly proud of our community. On behalf of council and the municipality, I want to thank all of the volunteers who dedicated several hours on a beautiful spring morning to cleaning up our roadsides and parks.”

Volunteers spread out across the municipality to collect garbage and recycling, then deliver it to collection sites in Picton, Ameliasburgh and Milford.

By the end of day, the 20-yard waste disposal bins in Picton and Ameliasburgh were nearly full, while the bin in Milford was half full. Volunteers also turned in 90 bags of recycling.

“Overall, Quinte Trash Bash was a huge success,” says Tanya Delaney, Outdoor Facilities Supervisor. “Not only does this event help put trash where it belongs, it serves to educate the public about the impact littering has on our natural environment. Some people might not think twice about throwing a cup or wrapper out the window, but over time that litter really adds up. We want to encourage people to think twice before littering.”

Several community groups were also involved. The Friends of the Millennium Trail organized several teams that covered all 49 kilometres of the trail. The 851 Prince Edward Air Cadet Squadron had approximately 25 members out cleaning up County Road 22, while the Recreation Outreach Centre cleaned up around downtown Picton.